Geo: 61.2176, -149.858So, we had a rough start to our honeymoon. We made our first flight to Sea-Tac alright but then we missed our second flight. For some reason, the airlines switched our gate. The original gate had the same destination at a time very similar but off by an hour from our flight. So, when we got to the gate, we just assumed we misread the time. I don't think I've ever done something so stupid on a trip. However, I was more distracted with the pressing need to find a clinic first thing in Anchorage because I was sick. Just after the plane took off, without us, we realized we'd missed our flight. DAMN. But, the airlines were able to slip us into the next outgoing flight, and we only arrived an hour later ... read more

Geo: 42.1947, -122.708We got up at 7am, and I think I slept maybe 4 hours. This is only an issue for us because we were working night shift at the time. So, we went into this experience exhausted. We got up early for the breakfast buffet (which actually really nice!) that the hotel offered. We carbed up for the impending workout. Then we drove up the mountain to the ski area. It was cloudy as heck down in the town, but clear blue skies high up above where the snow was. Chris was convinced he'd be a damn pro at snowboarding. I'd already been three other times in previous years and was quite content to never do it again. But I did it for Chris. Because he was sure he'd love it and would take to ... read more

Geo: 41.7594, -121.517So the neat thing about this place is the spelunking is unguided. You get free range of the caves (although they do offer some ranger guided tours), and the Visitor's Center will even rent out flashlights. I do suggest bringing your own helmet and elbow/knee pads. The only cave I wouldn't do without some prior cave experience is The Catacombs. People have gotten lost in there, and the Rangers have to fish 'em out. More about that later. The park has been empty both times I've gone camping here, I think because it's literally way out in the middle of nowhere far away from major freeways. We did tent camping both times but I'm pretty sure you can also RV it.Here's a list of caves we explored the first day:-The really easy one with ... read more

Geo: 45.5424, -118.463Galen and I left David alone for five minutes, and the bacon was way overcooked. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! We were so sad! But Galen came up with an ingenious way to make coffee. We snuck over to a campsite with power hook ups, plugged in a coffee pot and BAM!- coffee just like at home!That day we were supposed to go hiking in the mountains. Galen and I were driving in my car and we see mountains with snow. I turn to Galen, "...We're not headed for THOSE mountains... are we?" Galen shrugs. We did head for them. We drove to the SUMMIT of them. Hikin in the snow... didn't everyone see little Jade put on shorts today? We get out of the car. "David.... did you check weather before you picked this place for hiking?" ... read more

Geo: 45.5118, -122.676The first day I just drove to Newberg to meet up with my brother David- he's going to college there. We stayed the night at his friend's house, and then the next day after getting coffee from Chapter's we drove to Portland to pick up our other brother, Galen, from the airport. We spent the morning tramping around Downtown Portland. We stopped at Powell's Bookstore- bought some books. Ate some good organic Mexican food at ChaChaCha's. We then of course made the journey to the also famous Voodoo Doughnuts. They were really good- and awesomely decorated! And with doughnuts comes more coffee. We took pictures in front of the iconic "Keep Portland Weird" sign. Then we headed north to David's friend Jade's house. It was huge, on a hill, gorgeous and overlooking a vineyard. ... read more